Delores Jane Cumby's Obituary
Delores Jane Cumby was the second child born to the late James Cumby, Jr. and Geraldine Cumby, on February 7, 1945. Over the next six years, she became the big sister to James, Jackie, Linda and Shirley. With Big Sister Gloria leading the way, the six siblings forged a loving, supportive and unbreakable bond. Delores was the protector of the group, and would come to her siblings’ rescue and defense in a heartbeat!
Delores accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour at an early age, and was baptized by the late Reverend W.H. Sypert at McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. Delores immersed herself in church and youth activities; she especially enjoyed singing in the youth choir. Upon uniting with Greater New Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA and under the pastorate of the late Reverend Nelson Davis, Delores continued singing for the Lord in its adult choir. Years later, she joined Palma Ceia Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Pastor Charles F. Bennett. The six siblings were once again able to worship together.
Delores attended schools in the Berkeley Unified School District, graduating from Berkeley High School in 1963. She excelled in track and field and was a California State Star Athlete. Delores was also a gifted singer and was selected to become a member of the highly coveted Berkeley High School Concert Chorale. Delores attended the College of Alameda and graduated from its dental hygienist program. However, she discovered she had a passion for culinary arts, and pursued the field, becoming a chef in many Bay Area restaurants.
Delores enthusiastically embraced the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing and camping the most. She was known to gather her nephews and take them on a camping trip, which they enjoyed to the utmost. To this day, they reminisce about those special times. Delores was a die-hard Forty-niner fan, and an avid cheerleader for tennis stars, Venus and Serena Williams.
Two of Delores’ greatest joys were the birth of her late son, Eric, and being Grandmother to Eric, Jr. and Erica.
Later in life, Delores endured many health challenges, and on Saturday, November 5, 2022, God welcomed her home. She is survived by her four remaining siblings, James, Jackie (Robert), Linda and Shirley to cherish her memory; nephews Robert, Jr. (Blanca), Jaimel (Emily), Jumaane (Violeta), Evan and Johnny; nieces Essence, Akiba and Sun, several great nephews and nieces and a host of cousins and friends.
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